changing males

[RLHam3]

So I've got a 15 gal with a pair of common bristlenose. They have bred twice so far and both sets of young are also growing out in the tank.

I would like to keep the female but switch males. If i switch males, will the new male pose a threat to the babies?

 

[Doodles]

It shouldn't normally be a problem, i have never had issues with other adult males and babies but that is a pretty small tank for 2 adult fish, 2 lots and possibly another lot of babies. I would monitor the water parameters and try not to overfeed. What are you feeding the youngsters?

 

[RLHam3]

Right now i feed a mix of algae wafers, cucumber, zuccini, spirulina pellets, and shrimp pellets(as treat)

I do a 50% water change every week, but i can increase that to twice a week

 

[Doodles]

Cucumber and zuccini aren't overly nutritious, fry tend to love them both though, I would consider trading out the cucumber for something like green beans or even bell pepper(red, yellow, orange capsicum) My plecs and bn fry that I have had love bell pepper.

Increasing water changes will help, have you considered a grow out tank?

 

[Joby]

The male shouldn't hurt the babies but you will soon be over crowded in that size tank the way bristlenose breed :fr: I would definitely be looking at increasing the frequency of your water changes but 50% is a bit drastic, try 20% more often

 

[RLHam3]

I can do 20% everyday pretty easily i think. And yes I have considered a grow out. I also have a BN pair breeding in a 55 gallon. They share the tank with a 3" L191 (Panaque), a commony guppy colony, a school of 8 corys and a 3" male honduran red point. Their first batch of young just came out of the cave this week. If this first batch does well, i'll begin moving the biggest from the 15 gallon into the 55 gallon.